The four finalists for the 2017 Red Auerbach College Coach of the Year Award were announced today. The Red Auerbach Award is given annually to the nation’s top Jewish college coach, as voted on by the members of the Jewish Coaches Association (JCA). The winner will be presented with the award at the Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona.

Steve DeMeo- Northwest Florida State College

In his 4th season, Coach Steve DeMeo led the Northwest Florida State College Raiders to a 27-3 record, Panhandle Conference regular season title and trip to the NJCAA National Tournament.

Josh Pastner - Georgia Tech

In his first year as head coach of the Yellow Jackets, Josh Pastner led the Georgia Tech to 8 wins in the ACC after being picked last in the conference, as well as a trip to the 2017 NIT.

Bob Pietrack – Fort Lewis College

In his 2nd season as head coach of Fort Lewis College, Bob Bietrack led the Skyhawks to a 26-7 record and trip to the 2nd round of the Division II NCAA tournament.

Josh Schertz – Lincoln Memorial University

In his 9th season on the sidelines for Lincoln Memorial University, Josh Schertz led the Railsplitters to yet another banner season, including a 29-5 overall record, Southern Atlantic Conference (SAC) regular season co-championship, and a trip to the Division II Elite 8 in Frisco, Texas.

In 2010 the Jewish Coaches Association named its college coach of the year award after Red Auerbach, the coaching legend who won 938 games (a record at his retirement) and nine National Basketball Association (NBA) championships as a coach. As general manager and team president of the Celtics, he won an additional seven NBA titles, for a grand total of 16 in a span of 29 years, making him one of the most successful team officials ever in the history of professional sports.